Temperatures reached 34.9 degrees yesterday and are again predicted to break the 34 degree mark today.

Weather experts at the Bureau of Meteorology in Coffs Harbour said the mercury will rise sharply early on before a cool change sets in.

A much welcomed southerly change will occur at about lunchtime today and there is a chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon.

It will drop tomorrow’s temperature back down to a more comfortable 27 degree maximum. There is also a slight chance for showers.

The cool change will be short–lived however, and temperatures will again climb to 31 on Friday and 33 on Saturday before dropping once more to 29 and 27 on Sunday and Monday respectively.

The highest recorded temperature for January is 40.2 degrees which was reported on January 2, 2002. The average maximum for the month is 27.5.

WATER WATCH

PORT Macquarie senior lifeguard Grant Hudson said beach conditions are set to change.

He said a cooler southerly change is expected to come through at some stage this morning.

Swimmers and surfers would still be treated to good conditions but said more swell was due on Friday.

Weather experts at Coffs Harbours Bureau of Meteorology went as far as warning about dangerous surf conditions on Friday.

A spokeswoman said winds from 25-30 knots, which will strengthen as the day goes on, are due to hit the coast. She said the winds can be expected to increase throughout Friday night before finally decreasing on Saturday.

Mr Hudson said the majority of the beaches in the area are southerly protected and said all would provide a quality surf.

He urged all ocean goers to always listen to lifeguards and swim between the flags.